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A Message from the Director

A Busy Summer at Planning This summer, Planning staff have been hard at work finalizing the Our Baltimore Comprehensive Plan, updating our land use map and working through proposals to revitalize the Harborplace development. Community meetings, Open Houses and online submissions have yielded over 2,000 public comments on our Comp Plan and we are thankful for all the feedback. Residents strengthen our work and our agency has two signature cohorts winding down and ramping up their work. First, our Resident Food Equity Advisors work with our Food Policy and Planning staff to finalize their policy recommendations. Baltimore is at the forefront of food access work and is distinguished by the incorporation of so much community leadership in this critical work. Second, the popular Baltimore Planning Academy is currently accepting applications for our fall 2024 cohort.  At the Baltimore Department of Planning, it is a point of pride that we don't simply work for Baltimore. We also work WITH Baltimore residents to identify opportunities and solutions. As always, continue to follow our social media, newsletters, and reach out to our staff! Chris Ryer, Director City of Baltimore Department of Planning

Planning News

The Baltimore Planning Academy is Now Accepting Applications for the Fall Cohort

We are please to announce the open application period to apply for The Baltimore Planning Academy from August 1 - August 15th, 2024. Don't miss your opportunity to take this free six-week course that focuses on the planning and development process in Baltimore. 

The course is structured into six meetings (3 virtual; 3 in person) on Wednesday evenings between September 11 - October 16, 2024. Meals and transit/parking passes are provided! Conversational English is required for participation. 

APPLY HERE

Official Launch of The Baltimore City Planning Academy Committee

The Baltimore Planning Academy Alumni Committee: Pictured from  left to right are (1) Tori Rose , (2) Tia Richards, (3) Khalia Young, (4) Nathaniel Hicks, and (5) Eliza Cooper. Not pictured are additional members, Yolanda Gregory, Ash Esposito, Ramona Harry, and Khadija Hart.

The Baltimore Planning Academy introduces the newly formed accountability group named The Baltimore Planning Academy Alumni Committee, composed of alumni from the Baltimore Planning Academy. The launch of The Baltimore City Planning Academy Committee (or the BPAC) marks a significant step towards fostering continued engagement and collaboration among individuals passionate about urban planning and community development in Baltimore.

The Baltimore City Planning Academy, known for its commitment to cultivating community leadership through aBaltimore-centric lens, serves as the foundation upon which The Baltimore Planning Academy Alumni Committee is built. With a focus on urban planning, zoning, and development issues, The Baltimore City Planning Academy is poised to play a pivotal role in driving positive change and transformation within the city.

The primary goals of The Baltimore Planning Academy Alumni Committee align closely with the overarching mission of the Baltimore Planning Academy, emphasizing the importance of building a sense of community across various neighborhoods in Baltimore City. By fostering engagement around urban planning, The BPAAC aims to create a platform where advocates and leaders can connect with valuable city resources, tools, and information related to zoning and development. Through these efforts, residents are empowered to actively participate in shaping the futureof their neighborhoods and the broader landscape of Baltimore, ensuring that their voices are heard and their visions are realized.

In line with its mission to strengthen connections and promote continuous learning and growth among BPA alumni,The BPAAC has outlined specific objectives to guide its initiatives. These include facilitating opportunities for alumni to enhance their network across different cohorts, providing avenues for participation in ongoing learning sessions andproject walking tours, and organizing annual events to boost alumni engagement post-academy. Through thesestrategic objectives, The Committee seeks to create a vibrant and supportive community of alumni who are dedicated to driving sustainable change and making a lasting impact on the urban landscape of Baltimore.

Stay tuned for exciting updates and more information regarding the in person Open House and an opportunity to meet the Committee members to learn more about upcoming plans and events.

Employment Opportunities

HR Generalist II
The Department of Planning is seeking an HR Generalist to oversee the complete recruitment process, including background checks, interviews, and onboarding procedures. Responsibilities encompass managing contracts, recruitment, disciplinary measures, and terminations while prioritizing confidentiality and efficient issue resolution. This role involves interpreting regulations, conducting employee training, maintaining personnel records, advising on policies, and ensuring office maintenance. Serving as a liaison for various divisions, the role also involves providing essential support to staff and senior management. Expertise in HR policies, benefits administration, and claims management is crucial for this position. 

Check out our other open positions.

Upcoming Commission Meetings & Events

Planning Commission Hearing
Thursday, August 24, 2024, 1 p.m.

This meeting will be conducted in-person only. We are still working to perfect a remote video conference option in a “hybrid” meeting format, but it is not available for this meeting. Check the Planning Commission agenda page for updates and participation instructions.

The deadline for written testimony submission has passed.

Meeting materials will be online for public review as they become available.

Planning Commission Hearing
Thursday, September 12, 2024, 1 p.m.

This meeting will be conducted in-person only. We are still working to perfect a remote video conference option in a “hybrid” meeting format, but it is not available for this meeting. Check the Planning Commission agenda page for updates and participation instructions.

You may submit written testimony to Eric Tiso no later than 4 p.m. on August 23, 2024.

Meeting materials will be online for public review as they become available.

CHAP Hearing
Tuesday, August 13, 2024, 12 p.m.

The hearing will be held in the Phoebe Stanton Boardroom at 417 East Fayette Street, 8th Floor.
The agenda is available here.